Microphone poll

[GizmoTheOne]

Hello guys,

I've been searching for a good mic for my bass cab. The main purpose of it would be miking my cab in live situations, but I want something I could also use in the studio with good results. I tried a 57 and a couple of other mics, but wasn't really happy with the results.

My current live rig is :
Ampeg SVT-3 Pro
Eden D210XLT
(I usually go through my amp's DI and sometimes, when the soundguy knows what he's doing, I combine the DI with a mic also. I much prefer the latter situation.)

I've made some research here and there, and narrowed down the results to basically 2 mics that get a lot of rave on TB :

Heil PR-40
Sennheiser MD-421

Anyone has experience with both/any of these? Any pros/cons that I should know of? Other suggestions? Price doesn't really matter, I just want a very good mic without spending as much on the mic that I did on my setup.

I would like it if you could vote AND tell me WHY you like one more than the other.


Thanks!

[projectMalamute]

Both of those are good mics, they also sound very different. The Sennheiser has a pretty aggressive upper midrange thing going on, the Heil is quite a bit darker. Depends on what you are trying to do.

I usually use an RE20 on bass amps on the rare occasion when someone asks for a mic.

[reddi]

+1 for the re20.

[deaf pea]

I go for the EV RE-20 (or PL-20), too . . . . . .

[waleross]

I use a Shure Beta 52A..............................

[deaf pea]

Originally Posted by waleross

I use a Shure Beta 52A...

Did you know that that mic doen't have ANY mids????

[rodl2005]

I rarely get to use a mic on my cabs, but when I do- the sound Eng. at the Entertainment Centre uses a Sennheiser 421 & he says he LOVES my Bergantino NV215. He puts the mic just on the edge of one of the 15"s near the 6" mid driver.

[GizmoTheOne]

Thanks guys,

Basically the RE-20 was my third choice. I think I should maybe give it a better look.

[walker rosewood]

If you already like the tone of the gear you have, then I'd suggest finding a mic that colors the sounds as minimal as possible. i.e. has the flatest frequency response curve. Also make sure it covers all the frequencies you need. (at least down to 35hz for 4 string, or 20hz just to be safe).


This guy compares the PR40 and RE20. Charts and all.
http://www.wz5q.net/index/pr40.htm

[hbarcat]

Another vote for the EV RE20.

[prd004]

My big three for bass are:

Sennheiser MD 421
EV RE-20
AKG C414

[Derek DiFilippo]

RE-20 is always cool. SM7B works well for bass cabs, same idea. I've been really happy with Shure KSM-32s on bass cab. If you get a chance to check it out, you might be surprised by that mic.

[RedLeg]

Originally Posted by waleross

I use a Shure Beta 52A..............................

great mic. i use it for tubas, tbones, kick drums and uprights. it wouls be great for a bass cab
I also use agk d112's for the same things (better highs)

Beware of rave on TB!

[testing1two]

Beyerdynamic M88

[NickMonti]

Originally Posted by waleross

I use a Shure Beta 52A..............................

Beta 52! Excellent Kickdrum mic as well.

[deaf pea]

Originally Posted by RedLeg

...Beware of rave on TB!

Were you refering to my post?

[deaf pea]

Originally Posted by prd004

My big three for bass are...AKG C414

Huh?

A (very bright) condenser mic on a bass cab?

[pgolliher]

Originally Posted by waleross

I use a Shure Beta 52A..............................

+1 Great sounding solid mic.

[deaf pea]

Originally Posted by RedLeg

...I also use akg d112's for the same things (better highs)...

But STILL no mids to speak of . . . (700-1500Hz) . . . . . .

[projectMalamute]

Originally Posted by deaf pea

Huh?

A (very bright) condenser mic on a bass cab?

A 414 works fine on a bass amp, especially if you don't want an especially hyped low end. They are bright but they also go plenty low, people use them on floor toms all the time.

I've used the AT4033, another bright-ish condenser, on bass amps a bunch of times with fine results.